Lilium pomponium

TURBAN LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
France.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Heat zones: 8-5.
Mature size:
Height: 3 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
June.
Flowering attributes:
Nodding, Turk's cap lily form, with recurved, bright red petals and black spots..
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Loamy, alkaline, dry, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
In spring, when lilies are at the spear stage of growth (like asparagus), fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer. Do not feed again for the rest of the year; excessive fertilizing can promote disease and soft growth. Side dress with lime in fall.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in fall.
Plant bulb scales.

 

Rainy Side Notes

I was shopping at the Farmer's Market on Vashon Island when I came across this lily in one of the vendor's offerings. It was a treat to find a bulb gem with scrumptious little flowering “nodders” amongst the lettuce and broccoli of other vendors.

Lilium pomponium is a species with grass-like leaves and small, nodding, orange-red flowers sporting a light peppering of black spots. Native to the maritime alps of Southern France, it grows in limey, dry, rocky conditions. However, it grows in our naturally acidic soils in the Northwest, providing we plant it in well-drained soil. Our thoughts usually attach lilies with a dynamic fragrance, but the Turban lily gives an unpleasant smell. Despite the scent, this lily is a charmer. The narrow leaves twist away from their stems, looking like a motion caused by a gentle breeze.

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.